Not meaning that I'm against slumber parties, just meaning that no slumbering is actually taking place, so a Slumber Party would be inaccurate. And I strive to create a real blog, with actual documented memories.
Since Ansley was five, she has been asking for a slumber party. We told her when she was eight she could have one, thinking that sounded very grown up and, most importantly, far off. But now (sniff), here we are at EIGHT. Well, technically she will be eight on Thursday, so almost-eight. But still, wow. Crazy fast. And don't even get me started on in eight more years she will be driving, and then eight more years and she could be married with kids of her own......
Okay, gotta stop with this nonsense. Being a mom for eight years will obviously do strange things to you.
Ansley has been SO excited about her (Anti)Slumber Party, and has been very into helping plan and of course talking about it nonstop. She came up with her invite list and we sent out invitations a month or so ago. Christian is staying with Mimi, so the giggly, silly girls can practically have the whole place to themselves. Thankfully, Avery sleeps well, despite loud girl-like screams and giggles.
I thought that a Photo Booth with fun props might be a fun idea, and it turned out to be a big hit. Ansley and I went shopping and stocked up on glitter glasses, bracelets, silly gloves, microphones and feather boas. For the record, I believe that we will be finding pink feathers in this house for the next year. But it doesn't really matter, because they were HUGE, and I thought the photos turned out super cute.
The party girls: Kennedy, Ansley, Karis and Rylee.
And in groups of two.
Karis and Rylee.
Ansley and Kennedy.
Oops. Actually that wasn't first, I just thought the pictures were so cute I had to start out with them. On the invitations, we asked the girls to wear their pj's, so everyone was all ready to be cozy and have some pajama glam fun!
We started out with dinner, which Ansley chose. Okay, if I'm being honest, she chose pot roast. But then she said my chicken tenders were a close second. Sooo, figuring that chicken tenders are a more kid-friendly food, I talked her into going with chicken tenders at ther party, promising the pot roast for her actual birthday. She agreed, so on the menu: chicken tenders, homemade mashed potatoes, and fruit.
The conversation was hilarious, but these girls are so sweet, polite, and funny. Ansley is blessed with very sweet friends!
Each girl had her name in rhinestones at her place setting. They found this delightful.
Again, Ansley's request: chocolate cupcakes with pink frosting. The toppers say Sweet Dreams because, remember? It was SUPPOSED to be a Slumber Party. Full of sweet dreaming. Turns out, that was just a dream of mine.
Then we all sang happy birthday while Ansley cowered in fright of her candle. That'll teach me not to run things past her. I thought this sparkler "8" candle was super cute, but Ansley was afraid of it. Oops.
And pink milk to drink. When you are eight, pink milk is FABULOUS. Even Rylee, who doesn't like milk, had to try it because it was pink.
Then it was Photo Booth time, but you already saw those pictures.
After dinner, the other girls begged me to let Ansley open her gifts. It's so funny when you get to the age where you can pick out a gift and are excited for the recipient to open it. Each one of these girls was very excited for Ansley to open her gift!
I love her face in this one!
All watching to see what it is.
She received fun gifts that she loved! Books, lip glosses, a fun watch, and a ring.
Everyone had to look at all the gifts, flip through the books and pass everything around.
Then there was lots of silliness.
Good thing my camera never strays too far from me.
Then they all decided that they wanted an almost-dark trampoline jump. Why not?
While they were jumping, I hid jewels all around the playroom. When they came back in, we had a Flashlight Jewel Find. I gave them each a small flashlight and a bag, and they had to find all the jewels using only the flashlights. They thought this was so much fun, we had to do it several times.
Then they had a great time sorting all their jewels, and trading for different colors or shapes, if needed.
Finally, they all got settled in for the night, even though it would be a long time before they would fall asleep. Don't let Kennedy fool you, she is not asleep. They finally drifted off close to midnight, and woke up at 5:30 this morning.
Some sleepy girls for sure, but it was a great night. I love creating sweet memories for my kids, and I know this will be one that Ansley will remember.
She did ask us if she could go to bed tonight. And I'm thinking our house is very quiet right now!
It looks like the birthday girl and her friends had a terrific time together the 1st (anti)slumber party. You always plan such fun birthday celebrations! Happy 8th Birthday sweet Ansley!!!
Posted by: Renee | September 11, 2011 at 05:15 PM
When scrolling up to click on your Project 365 photos, I noticed that I am listed as a visitor from a nearby city but not my actual home - so if you are wondering which one of your very frequent mystery visitors lives there, it must be ME! ;)
Posted by: Renee | September 11, 2011 at 05:21 PM
What a fun party! I love all the pink and the photo booth pics are darling. Ansley looks like she was enjoying every minute.
Posted by: Marni | September 11, 2011 at 05:26 PM
What a FUN party! The expressions on the girls faces say it all--how much fun they are having and what a terrific party you planned. Kudos to you for making your 8-year-old's dream come true. She'll forever remember her (anti)slumber party. :)
Posted by: Ashley Lee | September 13, 2011 at 11:06 PM